Section a Research methods

Question 1

Qualitative data

Answer 1

non- numerical data to interpret and analyse peoples experiences

Presents the quality of the way of life of the research subjects in the form of words not numbers. Methods that allow for data to be based on the participants ‘speaking for themselves’.

Question 2

quantitative data

Answer 2

numerical data, data statistically
e.g surveys , questionnaires

Data expressed in numerical form on graphs. Patterns and trends of human behaviour shown in statistics can be observed and compared to establish correlations (cause and effect).

Question 3

Validity

Answer 3

were the data provides a true insight of the social reality ( normally qualitative)

Question 4

Reliability

Answer 4

The ability to repeat the same research and gain the same or similar results

Question 5

representativeness

Answer 5

the extent to which the sample selected is a fair reflection of the target population

Question 6

Generalisability

Answer 6

refers to the ability to make claims about the wider target population from the research findings

Question 7

Positivists

Answer 7

• believe in applying logic of natural sciences to researching society
• prioritise objectivity
• use quantitate data as it is more measurable and reliable
• high in reliability
• associated sociologist = Durkheim

Question 8

objectivity value freedom

Answer 8

positivism
the sociologist should be neutral and not allow their personal or political views or prejudices to bias any aspect of their research or interpretation of their data

Question 9

interpretivists

Answer 9

seek to understand meaning anf subjective experiances of their particpants
seek to gain verstehen

• use qualitative data
• gain dept information and detail in order to interpret meanings behind actions
• believe research should focus on understanding rather than measurements and normally high in validity

associated sociologist = interactionists (labelling theory)

Question 10

Verstehen

Answer 10

interpretivism

empathetic understanding

Question 11

ethnographic

Answer 11

interpretivism getting involved with the group being researched to understand fully and maintain empathy - high validity

Question 12

reflexivity

Answer 12

interpretivism
Interpretivists aim to keep research diaries that document the trials of every stage of the process. It is a form of self evaluation that involves the researcher reflecting critically on how they organise the research process, their experience of it and how a range of influences might have positively or negatively affected the validity of their findings.

Question 13

Realism

Answer 13

They argue that research methods chosen should fit the purpose of the topic you are studying. For example, if you want to measure something, choose quantitative and understand something, choose qualitative.

This may mean that often methodological pluralism or triangulation are preferable as research approaches as is can gain both a combination of qualitative and quantitative data and/or means data can be cross checked easily.

Question 14

feminism

Answer 14

Feminist research methods seek to gain access to the views of all people including women – combating ‘malestream’ Sociological research.
Feminist methodology is normally qualitative but not exclusively as they believe the methods fit the purpose.
They often use in-depth interviews as they give women a voice and empower them.

Feminist research is often grounded in feminist theory and therefore seeks to bring about social change and equality for women. It aims to raise awareness of issues women face

Question 15

ethics

Answer 15

Ethics are practices that are seen as morally right and wrong when conducting research such as confidentiality.

Question 16

BSA

Answer 16

The British Sociological Association is the regulatory body that puts down ethical guidelines that sociologists should follow when conducting research.

Question 17

Ethical guidelines

Answer 17

Confidentiality
Privacy
Anonymity
Right to withdraw
Avoiding harm to participants
Protecting vulnerable groups
Informed consent
Ensuring legality.
Safeguarding

Question 18

random sampling

Answer 18

all people in the target population have an equal chance of being picked-chosen entirely by chance. This reduces the risk of samples being biased by the researcher’s choice

Question 19

non- random sampling

Answer 19

people in the target population do not have an equal chance of being picked

Question 20

Systematic random sampling

random sampling

Answer 20

Involves randomly choosing a number between one and ten (every nth number)

This technique does not always guarantee a representative sample however the larger sample the more likely it is to be representative.

Question 21

Stratified Random sampling

Random sampling

Answer 21

This involves dividing the research population into a number of different sampling frames . Then participants are selected from each to create a research sample. This avoids the highest population from being over represented in the sample.

Question 22

quota sampling

non- random

Answer 22

Researcher has clear idea of the sample they want and where to find it.
They will select the required population based on given criteria (a certain amount of women/men/young people to meet their quota)

Question 23

snowball sampling

non-random

Answer 23

Method mainly used by sociologists researching deviant groups. One contact will recruit other contacts to get involved in the research.

Question 24

Purposive / opportunity sampling

non random

Answer 24

sed to test a particular hypothesis, researcher only targets those that are directly linked to hypothesis

Question 25

strengths

random Sampling and Systematic Sampling

Answer 25

Everyone has the same chance (if repeated a similar sample will emerge) – Reliable
Not biased - Representative
Preferred by Positivists because of its scientific, objective nature - Reliable

Question 26

weakness

random Sampling and Systematic Sampling

Answer 26

Time consuming, people may pull out by the time research is carried out – Lowers representativeness and generaliability

The sampling frame won’t always provide useful information (E.g. gender, class) therefore can be biased – Lowers representativeness and generaliability

Can lack representativeness if a greater number of one type of person is picked.

Question 27

strengths
random
Stratified Sampling

Answer 27

Can ensure that each group is represented – Representative

Not biased - Representativeness

Preferred by Positivists because of its scientific, objective nature - Reliable

Question 28

weakness
random
Stratified Sampling

Answer 28

Time consuming, people may pull out – Lowers representativeness and generaliability

Sampling frame may not give specific groups to include – Lowers representativeness and generaliability

If some groups have a large number of people then they are more likely to be chosen/biased – Lowers representativeness and generaliability

Question 29

non random strengths

Quota Sampling

Answer 29

Useful when there is no sampling frame

More representative than other non-random samples – Target a range of groups - Representative

Easy to set targets

Question 30

non random
weakness
Quota Sampling

Answer 30

Researcher may be biased towards a certain group – Lowers representativeness

No sampling frame, less scientific, more difficult to repeat - Lowers reliability

Numbers needed may not be representative of target population.

Question 31

non random
strengths
Snowball Sampling

Answer 31

Useful when there is no sampling frame

Good to use for studies with difficult groups to access or a specific type of person - Validity and Representativeness

Easy if one person acts as a gatekeeper, allows access and can build up a rapport - Validity

Question 32

non random
weakness
Snowball Sampling

Answer 32

Not representative – No sampling frame

Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness

Biased/Subjective – Insider researchers.

Question 33

non random
strengths
Purposive Sampling

Answer 33

Useful when there is no sampling frame

Good when there is a specific type of person needed

Easy/Quick can get a large sample - Representative

Question 34

non random
strengths
Volunteer Sampling

Answer 34

Useful when there is no sampling frame

Good when there is a specific type of person needed - Representative

Easy/Quick can get a large sample - Representative and Generalisability

Question 35

non random
weaknesses
Purposive Sampling

Answer 35

Not representative – No sampling frame.

Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness

Biased/Subjective – Chosen by the researcher.

Question 36

non random
weaknesses
Volunteer Sampling

Answer 36

Not representative – No sampling frame.

Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness

Biased/Subjective – Chosen by the researcher.